A few key takeaways from our team: 

People: When it comes to the evolving workforce in and around the NHS, we must consider flexible staffing and development models, including opportunities for cross-training, dynamic job placements and joint working. We also need to prioritise a sense of psychological safety that allows individuals and teams to perform at their best. 

Data: We’re at a critical point in how we collect, link, analyse and act upon NHS data in ways that are accurate, sustainable and trusted. There are wonderful efforts underway to use health data to improve patient care, system operations and R&D efforts, and this next year will be crucial in showcasing the positive benefits that data-informed decision-making can bring. 

Equity: There continues to be large variation in care access and health outcomes across the country. By ensuring that health and care systems work collaboratively with the voluntary sector, by co-producing with those who have lived experience to influence service design and by bringing to the forefront an intentional effort to improve health equity, local communities will be better positioned to invest in and design relevant pathways and practices. 

Impact: Especially in an environment of scarcity – of money, headspace and time – we must ensure that effective, well-evidenced interventions can scale, while projects that fail to deliver become lessons learnt across the service. Open dialogue about evaluation, innovation and results will be key to making progress as a collective. 

Leadership: These are trying times within the NHS and care space, but it is in these moments that leaders must speak up, use the privilege of their voice and unite people in new ways to improve health and care outcomes, both locally and nationally. 

Thank you to the event organisers, to all of the speakers and to the many attendees for their insights, perspectives and camaraderie. 

If you would like to find out more, or see how our team can support you in these areas, please get in touch with us at hello@thepsc.co.uk

Author: Danny Silk